Mushroom and Kale Quinoa with Chicken {Gluten Free}

Who doesn't love a simple supper?  This is an easy and delicious one pot meal for dinner tonight. Have you tried quinoa yet?  Quinoa is a nutritious, protein packed, gluten-free grain that we love and it's a great addition to this dish. You could also try millet or even a pasta such as couscous if you prefer.  Kale is a great fall veggie that really stands up well and offers a healthy punch of vitamins and minerals. I used Lacinato Kale also known as "dinosaur" kale, which is a fitting name as it looks a bit prehistoric.  Swiss Chard or spinach would be yummy also, just reduce the cook time a bit.  Go ahead, try a few new ingredients for dinner tonight. Enjoy!

Recipe: (serves 4)
Ingredients:
olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or about 8-10 boneless, skinless chicken tenders
salt and pepper
8 ounces Cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 slice bacon, chopped (optional)
1 cup uncooked quinoa
juice of 1/2 fresh lemon
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped, or you can use 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped, or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary or Italian Seasoning
1 bunch Lacinato Kale, stems removed, coarsely chopped (after washing kale try holding the stem end in one hand and running your fingers down the stalk removing the leaves from the stem as you go, this is a bit faster than trying the cut the stems out)

Directions:
1. Drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper cook, turning occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until they have some nice color on them. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
2. Reduce the heat and to the same pan add the mushrooms and garlic and an additional drizzle of olive oil, saute 2-3 minutes. Add the bacon and continue sauteing until bacon is cooked and mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes. Add dry quinoa to the pan to lightly toast for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add lemon juice, chicken broth, herbs and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add chicken pieces back to the pan, placing them down into the quinoa, bring to a gentle boil. Cover pan and reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook for 15 minutes or until chicken is completely cooked through to an internal temperature of 165'F.
4. Add in the chopped kale with stems removed, stir gently. Cover and cook an additional 10 minutes until the kale is tender. Serve hot and enjoy!